BAE completes ground-rig tests on Brimstone system

BAE Systems has completed a series of ground-rig trials with MBDA’s air-to-ground Brimstone missile at Warton, Lancashire, UK.

Part of the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet’s test campaign for the Phase 3 Enhancements (P 3E) package, the trials involved the Brimstone system, which comprised a launcher loaded with three weapons. During the trial, the Brimstone system was connected to an avionics systems integration ground rig to test the communication between the launcher and software.

UK Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne said, “Brimstone offers laser-guided precision technology, which will boost Typhoon’s capability, and it is currently proving its worth in the fight against Daesh (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.

“These trials are another example of how the Ministry of Defence is investing its £178bn (US$255bn) over the next ten years in providing state-of-the-art equipment for the armed forces.”

The trials follow the successful completion of avionics design activity and the start of informal testing on the initial software in the rig. According to the company, the trials were being conducted alongside a flight test campaign for the Phase 2 Enhancement (P2E) package. The completion of P2E package is expected to enhance long-range attack capabilities to the aircraft through MBDA’s Storm Shadow deep-strike missile and MBDA Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile.